I’ve lived in Songdo for over seven years, yet there was one place I’d never visited: the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club. While its members-only policy makes entry difficult, the main reason was that Korea’s exorbitant green fees, caddie fees, and meal costs were simply unacceptable to me. I was used to enjoying a ‘Back 9’ round for about $20 every weekend back in San Jose, USA. Then, thanks to a friend, I unexpectedly got a great opportunity to attend the ‘Genesis Championship’ golf tournament.

The weather was a bit warm, but it was an absolutely perfect day for watching the tournament. The sheer pleasure of observing the players’ precise shots from the clubhouse, coupled with the leisure of sipping a refreshing Jeju Ale beer on the terrace seating, was truly unbeatable. I hadn’t realized that VIP passes included complimentary meals, so I’d eaten lunch beforehand. Not wanting to miss out on that perk, I enjoyed a delicious early dinner of a Hanwoo beef burger and eel rice bowl.

Just as I felt when attending a major golf tournament in the US as a sponsor, the shots of professional golfers never cease to amaze me. Their nerve in swinging the driver without flinching from the tee box watched by countless spectators is remarkable. Seeing the ball they hit from afar land ‘on the green’ near the hole, then watching them stroll back with such ease, was enough to make anyone envious. Everyone probably remembers their first day on the golf course, sweating bullets as they sent balls into water hazards or deep rough. Recalling my own beginner days, wandering around searching for lost balls, I marveled once more at the players’ skill.

Golf is an excellent sport that provides energy through walking and swinging. While I don’t favor Korea’s golf culture due to excessive costs, this visit made me consider creating more opportunities to play. If systems like carrying your own bag without a caddie or booking just 9 holes become established to increase turnover, I hope golf can truly become a popular sport in Korea.